How do you sand 3D prints?

Sanding a 3D-printed part is the same process as sanding other products. Start with a low grit and work your way up to a high grit until you achieve the desired result. Going up to 200 grit sandpaper will create the best results but is very labor intensive.
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What is the best way to sand 3D prints?

Pro Tip: Sand in small circular movements evenly across the surface of the part, and avoid sanding 3D prints in one direction only, especially in the direction of the stepping lines to prevent striations or “trenches” in the print.
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Should I wear a mask when sanding 3D prints?

Respirator Mask: Breathing Easy in Style

Fumes and particles released by resin can be harmful to your lungs when inhaled for a long period of time. In addition, sanding and polishing your 3D-printed models will also create dust particles that shouldn't be inhaled.
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How do you smooth 3D prints without sanding?

First clean the model of any dust and make sure it's clean. Next spray the model with your selected color of spray paint. Then quickly spray a layer of Polyurethane. Then place it under a fan to prevent drips and to make dry faster.
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Do 3D prints need to be sanded before painting?

Before applying paint, it's crucial to remove any supports and sand the print's surface for smoothness. Priming the print not only provides a sealed and even surface but also enhances the adhesion of the final paint coats to the plastic material.
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Finishing 3D Prints: How to Sand, Fill and Prime 3D Printed Parts

Is it OK to sand 3D prints?

Sanding and painting is the most well-established method used to smooth 3D prints. It is relatively cheap and creates great results, but is labor-intensive. Sanding a 3D-printed part is the same process as sanding other products.
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Why do people not sand 3D prints?

Sanding 3D prints to get rid of layer lines takes FOREVER. But sanding 3D printed pieces is what takes them from looking like a 3D printed piece to looking like an actual prop. I was watching a carpentry video when it hit me... I should try card scrapers!
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How long do PLA prints last?

In short, when you place PLA under normal room temperature, it can last for a very long time – say 12 to 18 years. Depending on where and how you store it, 3D printed objects made from PLA can last from a month, to 2 years and up to many years. It can break down at different rates depending on its environment.
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Is ABS stronger than PLA?

PLA and ABS are both thermoplastics. PLA is stronger and stiffer than ABS, but poor heat-resistance properties means PLA is mostly a hobbyist material. ABS is weaker and less rigid, but also tougher and lighter, making it a better plastic for prototyping applications.
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Is it OK to 3D print in my room?

Make sure that the space where you will be using the printer is well ventilated with lots of fresh, uncontaminated air to dilute and remove particles and gases. For example, the space has vented exhaust located near the 3D printer or windows and doors that can be opened to let fresh air into the room.
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How do you make PLA shiny after sanding?

For high-shine PLA parts, the sanding stage (which gives a smooth but matte finish) can be followed by a polishing stage, using a cotton cloth and liquid plastic polish. This method is not suitable for smoothing highly uneven surfaces on its own; it is more of a finishing technique.
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Can PLA filament be painted?

As far as thermoplastic filaments go, PLA is one of the easiest to paint. With the right preparation and priming treatment, most types of paint will adhere to the material's surface. Acrylic paint, enamels, and lacquers can all be used to finish a PLA print.
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Is PLA or PETG easier to sand?

This is the same process documented in out How To Smooth and Finish Your PLA Prints. Between ABS, PLA, and PETG, ABS filament sands the easiest and PLA sands the hardest, putting PETG in a nice medium between the two. You start with coarse sandpaper to knock down most of the layer lines on your 3D print.
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Does isopropyl alcohol dissolve PLA?

There is a type of PLA whose formulation makes it soluble in isopropyl alcohol, a much less dangerous product than acetone or methylene chloride. This is why this material, of the Polymaker brand, has become quite popular among those who want to smooth their parts without getting too complicated.
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Is PLA non toxic?

PLA is generally considered non-toxic and does not cause food safety concerns. However, ingesting large amounts may lead to digestive discomfort. Using PLA products as intended and not for human consumption is important.
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Is PETG more powerful than PLA?

PETG has higher impact strength than PLA, reducing the risk of fracture. PETG has higher hardness than PLA, making it more able to resist abrasion.
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Is PLA or PETG better?

PLA is an environmentally friendly plastic that is derived from renewable resources. It has a lower melting temperature than PETG, which makes it easier to print with, but it is also less durable than PETG. If you're looking for an easier printing experience, PETG vs PLA, PLA is a better choice.
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Is PETG safe to eat?

PETG is Food-safe

PETG plastic is an FDA-compliant plastic for food, beverage, and medical packaging. This makes it legal to use for a wide variety of products, as well as proving its safety around food products.
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How long will 1kg of filament last?

And to allow for some variability, let's put that at 5 to 9 hours of printing per week (or 20 to 36 hours per month). Under these conditions, you could expect to use about 40 to 70 g per week. Thus, a 1-kg spool of PLA should last you about 14 to 25 weeks, which equates to 4 to 6 months!
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How much will 1kg of filament print?

How much can you print with 1kg filament? For a rough picture on what it can print, you would be able to print somewhere between 90 calibration cubes with 100% infill or 335 calibration cubes with just 5% infill. Some extra perspective, you could print around 400 average sized chess pieces with a 1KG spool of filament.
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Is 3D printing bad for the planet?

A major environmental concern about 3D printing is that it uses plastics to create shapes. In particular, the usage of support material can make 3D printing wasteful. Support material is simply plastic that is printed before the actual part to make sure the shape of the part matches what the user wants.
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Is 3D printing wasteful?

Analysing the Causes of 3D Printing Waste

Failed 3D Prints (31%): Failure in 3D prints, whether due to design flaws, printing errors, or material inconsistencies, contributes significantly to waste. This issue is not just environmental but also affects cost-efficiency and time management in the printing process.
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What can I not 3D print?

Wood, cloth and paper cannot be 3D printed using these processes.
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